Pets can promenade at two events on Sunday

If your Chihuahua is dying to show off her new Christmas sweater, she’ll have two opportunities to strut her stuff on Sunday.

At 9 a.m. Dec. 9, dogs are invited to march in the annual Pups on Parade event in Carlsbad Village. Then at 3 p.m., she can catch a ride down to San Diego for the fifth annual Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade.

The 10th annual Carlsbad celebration, hosted by the Shops at Village Faire, includes photos with Santa from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. There are also vendor booths, raffles and the dog parade through Carlsbad Village at 12:45 p.m. (route begins at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive). Parade participation is free but proceeds from opportunity drawing ticket sales will benefit Saving Pets One at a Time and Labrador Rescue. For photo appointments, call (760) 889-1986.

Pets of all kinds are welcome at the Gaslamp Quarter Holiday Pet Parade at 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at Hilton Park at Fourth Avenue and K Street in San Diego. The event also includes a pet expo that runs from 1 to 5 p.m.

The Gaslamp parade draws more than 200 pets (and their owners) each year. Dogs are the main attraction, but organizers say that nonhuman participants have included a Clydesdale horse, a bearded dragon, fire-bellied newts, rabbits, cats, tortoises and an alpaca.

Prizes will be awarded for the Best Costumed Duo, Cutest Critter, Best Pet Costume, Ugliest Holiday Sweater, Best Holiday Costume, Best Costume Made out of Duct Tape, and Best of Show, among other categories.

Pet check-in begins at 1 p.m. in Hilton Park. The parade is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m., making a 60- to 90-minute round trip up and down Fifth Avenue before returning to Hilton Park.

The pet expo will featuring a number of pet services and supply and accessory vendors. Parade registration is $20 per pet/owner duo ($15 in advance). Visit